PETER AND DORA MODAFF FAMILY

Peter and Dora Modaff moved to Naperville, the year of 1914. Both were born in Aurora, Illinois. Peter’s family came from Luxenburg. Dora’s father also from Luxenburg, her mother was born in America.

Peter and Dora Modaff were married in April 28, 1909, in St. Joseph Church of Aurora. They were blessed with 7 children. Caroline the oldest daughter married Bill Gaworski, had 2 children; husband passed away in 1980. Lillian married Clarence Landorf, had 6 children. Oldest son Frank died of injuries received in auto accident at the age of 44, Clarence died the same year-1977. Nick married Alice Meisinger, had 6 children; one daughter Mary was killed at age of 29 in 1971, her assailant never found. Cecilia married James Kuhn, have 3 children living, 1 died at birth. Agnes married Leon Theis, had 4 children. Bernard married Mary Keller, had 7 children. Peter Jr. (youngest) died at age 13 months from Infantile Paralyses.

In 1914, Peter and Dora rented a farm from William Paeth, 117 acres for $3.00 per acre, located on the corner of Modaff Road and 75th Street. In 1922, Dora died-on their 13th wedding anniversary. In the Fall of 1923, Peter’s sisterand husband, the Henry Weyderts moved in with Peter and helped raise the children. In 1924, Peter bought the farm for $160.00 per acre.

In 1929, Peter was elected Highway Commissioner-a position which he held for five terms until his death in 1954. While in office roads were renamed and “Modaff Road” was named in his honor.

In 1942, Peter sold 37 acres of the farm to Dan Meisinger. The balance of the farm (80 acres) he kept until his death in 1954. Peter married Matilda Bermes in 1943 and moved to town.

Bernard and his wife Mary lived on the farm until it was sold to Phil Kelly in 1955. It was sold for subdivision in 1961.

The Peter Modaff family were members of St. Peter and Paul Parish and all the children graduated from the parish school.